Anderson Farray escapes custodial sentence

A 37-year-old South St. George resident, Anderson Farray, has escaped a sentence of imprisonment for possession of marijuana when his matter was heard at the St. George’s No.1 Magistrate’s Court last week Thursday, before Chief Magistrate, Her Honour Tamara Gill.

Anderson Farray, who was fined $2, 000 for possession of marijuana

Farray, who pleaded guilty to the offence on the same day, was arrested and charged after approximately 33 grams of the illegal substance valued at approximately $165, was found in his bag, during a security check at the Richmond Hill Prisons.

At the time of his arrest, Farray was on his way to teach a class at the Prisons, where he has been teaching for the last 15 months.

The accused was initially charged with possession of a controlled drug and intent to supply but a decision was later taken to drop the
latter charge.

THE NEW TODAY understands that Farray, who is an electronic repairman, was hired as a teacher at the prison after showing potential while serving a 12-month sentence for an offence.

He also has acquired a number of certificates in several subject areas including Electrical Engineering, and is currently in his second semester studying Electrical Engineer Technology at T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC).

In considering what sentence should be handed down, the Chief Magistrate pointed to Farray’s 8 previous convictions dating back to 1995, which includes stealing and obscene language.

She also noted that he received strokes in 1997 for having a small quantity of marijuana in his possession.

The Chief Magistrate expressed shock that someone who has done so well academically, continues to find himself in trouble with the law.

Counsel for the defendant, Attorney-at-law Peter David informed the court that his client “is a smoker and had forgotten that he had the illegal substance in his bag,” while on his way to teach his class at the prison.

“This man is trying…you could look at his past (convictions), but he is trying,” Attorney David told the court as he requested a non-custodial sentence to be imposed.

After hearing from both the Prosecution and the defense counsel, the Chief Magistrate took a decision to impose upon Farray a fine of EC$2,000 to be paid in the next 3 months and in default serve 9 months imprisonment.

Speaking with THE NEW TODAY after the sentence was handed down, Farray expressed the view that the Magistrate had done him justice.

“I find the Magistrate has done me justice…I really came a long way (and) I am grateful for this opportunity. I promise myself not to return again,” he declared.

Farray also expressed a desire to find ways to help young people like himself and juvenile delinquents, who find themselves in trouble with the law and are always in and out of prison.

“A lot of young, intelligent people need help. A lot of them feeling frustrated now and ending up in the Mad House…so my plan is to make a business and take money out of that business and invest in a school when I get older so I could teach and help out the guys who always going to prison and getting into trouble,” he said.